My life seems to be a mixed bag at the moment. Last Wednesday it was my oncology appointment at the hospital. I was feeling very apprehensive and nervous as to what they found when I had the PET scan in Wellington. Instead of finding another secondary tumour in the abdominal area where it was last time, and where this type of cancer normally appears but instead two hot spots were found – one in a rib bone and one in my thyroid. Won’t dwell anymore on this though until they know for sure what is happening. Now waiting for a biopsy on the rib and an ultra sound of my thyroid and perhaps even a biopsy there as well if they suspect it is needed. My CA125 levels meantime continue to rise – now 136.

Friday was a much nicer day. We met with some neighbours and ex-neighbours (we still all keep in touch) for lunch which also extended into afternoon tea!! Lots of talk and laughter.

Then Saturday night it was out for dinner (Nicky’s birthday). Really nice Indian restaurant (Chapati’s in Lincoln Road).

Sunday was my turn to help Sally man our table at the Craft Out West show. So, so busy but very successful. There were times when they were lining up to have a go with our makes and takes. These were mine here:

Mmm why is the second picture blurry? Couldn’t possibly be the photographer could it? lol

Finding that I haven’t got the same energy levels as I had and by today was really tired so wasn’t impressed that I had to get up early to go and pick up some tubes from Labtests then be at the hospital by 9 am for them to take bloods via my portacath … and that didn’t go smoothly either! Then drop the 4 tubes back to the lab so that they can get the results to oncology.

Gee I’m glad I’m retired – don’t think I would have had the time to be ill if I was still working!

Anyway that’s my ‘week that was’. As I say a real mixture but yes, the good did outweigh the bad. Tomorrow I’m going to indulge in a well-earned sleep in.

Yesterday we had our Regional Training Conference here in Auckland. A really great day full of interesting and useful demonstrations, make and takes, lunch and lots of chatting with friends and acquaintances. Must say Stampin’ Up definitely know how to organise a well-run event. Thanks SU too for the stamp set we were all given – will share this with you nearer the release of the new 2010/2011 catalogue – can’t wait!!

I didn’t do swaps this time though I did make about 5 of this card using the new scallop circle die that came in my order last Thursday and gave these away. Really love this die and know I am going to find lots of uses for it. Also thought it was about time I gave my Fun & Fast Notes stamp set a christening. This set was part of my Demonstrator starter kit that I got when I signed up last February and up to now haven’t had the opportunity to use it but now that I have know that these cute 8 stamps are going to get a lot of use.

You could buy this versatile (and yes it’s fun) set cheaply – how? - do you know that you only have until the end of this month to save yourself 20% on the Demonstrator Starter Kit? Check out this fabulous opportunity out -

Starter Kit Special Offer:

All the supplies you need to get stamping at a fabulous price and no you don't have to become a demonstrator to partake in this fabulous offer!

From 21 May-31 July, get a 20 percent discount on the Starter Kit when you join Stampin' Up! as a demonstrator! Many demonstrators are hobby demonstrators who join up solely to get their product at a discounted price.

Description Regular Price Discount Price Starter Kit $379.00 $299.00

This Starter Kit is great value - bought individually there is over $655 worth of product - how great is that!! Hopefully any questions you may have can be answered on this page HERE but I also love to chat so feel free to phone or email me for any questions you may have - 021-739 137 or beetson@xtra.co.nz

By joining the Stampin' Up! family you will get:

20% discount on all your purchases

A selection of versatile stamp sets (4) (your choices)

Regular Stampin' Around wheel + an ink cartridge

Stampin' Pads (5)

Blender Pens

Stampin' Scrub + Stampin' Mist

Snail

VersaMark Ink

Stampin' Pastels

When is the best time to join Stampin' Up! Now that our catalogue release has been moved to September, July is probably the best month to join. Why?

It's the start of a quarter, so there are no sales quotas to meet until the end of December.

You will get your FREE Demonstrator copy of the catalogue mailed straight to you in August.

The Retirement List and New Catalogue make it easy to meet your first quota

Christmas is just around the corner, which is the perfect time to hold classes and workshops for your friends

You'll get the new Summer Mini Catalogue mailed directly to you in October, and you'll be able to pre-order in November.

When it's time to meet your second quota, it will be Sale-a-Bration time!

The winner of my draw (orders placed from Apr 1 to Jun 30) for a free stamp set (and a couple of other goodies) is:

Heather McCrory - congratulations Heather and I hope you have lots of fun with this.

I will be giving away another stamp set to be drawn September 30th so make sure you have placed plenty of orders before then. Each order placed goes in the draw, so the more orders, the more chances!! Good luck.

These cards were so quick and easy to make – ideal for when you’re busy and need a card in a hurry.

The first one features the Medallion stamp – ideal as a feature on a card or as a background stamp. Here I have stamped it over some DSP (think this is a retired pattern). The second utilises punches – the oval punches from the main IBC and the lovely bird punch that can be found in the Autumn/Winter mini catalogue. Once again I have used the designer series paper for the background.

Come to my classes and learn how to make these for yourself. Go to the link on the right to find out days and times.

The June weekly deals may be over but the fun goes on - look at all these lovely 2 step stamping sets that are 20% off in July even TWO from our latest mini - I'm not sure why Cheep Talk is on special as it's not a true 2 step stamping set but who cares! I’m really sad to see A Rose is a Rose going – I love it. So get in quick and buy this set before it goes. Also pleased to see Tiny Tags in this special offer – I’m definitely buying that and the punch that matches – Medium Jewellery Tag punch in the Autum/Winter mini.

Item

Page

Description

Regular Price

Sale Price

116386

39

Loads of Love

$46.95

$37.56

116342

42

Big Bold Birthday**

$63.95

$51.16

115860

78

A Rose is a Rose**

$77.95

$62.36

116332

86

Playful Petals**

$62.95

$50.36

115770

98

Cheep Talk

$56.95

$45.56

115946

115

Wonderful Favourites

$46.95

$37.56

119187

14*

Tiny Tags (wood-mount)

$45.95

$36.76

118592

14*

Tiny Tags (clear-mount)

$36.95

$29.56

119163

31*

Cottage Garden (wood-mount)

$38.95

$31.16

120003

31*

Cottage Garden (clear-mount)

$30.95

$24.76

*From 2010 Autumn-Winter Mini Catalogue

**Retiring stamp sets!

Remember you only have until the end of July to take advantage of these great prices. (Shipping costs apply $9.95 or 5% of order, whichever is the greater).

Thanks for popping in to catch up on what is happening in my life. I enjoy sharing my love of stamping and cardmaking and invite you to have a look at the projects I have made. You are welcome to take my ideas and use them in your own creations.

Diagnosed with breast cancer - now NED (no evidence of disease) then in 2003 diagnosed with ovarian cancer, 2 ops and chemo. Ovarian cancer returned in 2008, a bowel op and another lot of chemo, presently NED. Then diagnosed with myeloma chemo now NED then Chronic myeloid Leukemia still being treated. Last November 2015 diagnosed with lung cancer stage 4 which has metastasised to the bones, mostly pelvis and spine. Very painful. Had hip replacement, 3 blood transfusions and bone strengthening infusion.